Can-labeling machine.



CAN LABELING MACHINE. APPLICATION men FEB. 5. 191a Patented 00t.22,1918.

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vwcm for:

F. H. KNAPP &'H. a; new. CAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 5,1916.

Patented Oct. 22, 1918.

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A I FMWMW" F. H. KNAPP & H. G. DEWEY.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

Q APPLICATION FILED FEB. 5. me. l,282,700. Patented Oct. 22, 1918.

8 SHEETS-SHEEI 3- F. H. KNAPP & H. G. DEWEY.

CAN LABELLNG MACHINE. APPLICATION FIL ED FEB. 55. 1916.

. Patefited ot. 22,1918.

- a SHEETS-SHEET 4.

F. H. KNAPP & H. G. DEWEY.

, CAN LABELING MACHINE.

' i v I APPLICATION ElLED FEB. 5. 191's. 1,282,700.- I v Patented0tt.22,191s.

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F. a. KNAPPKL H, e. DEWEY.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB|511916- I (I A I I M Patented; Oct, 22, 1918,

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CAN LABELING MACHINE.

AF.PLICATION FILED FEB. 5. 1916. .1 1,282,700. Patented Oct. 22, 1918. vs SHEETS-SHEEI 1.

5] vwc 11 f0 F. H. KNAPP & H. G. DEWEY.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

, APPLlCATlQN FILED FEB. 5. 191a.

Patented ott. 22, 1918;

4 a SHEETS-SHEET a.

' Gum/M1 5! 'Baltimore, in the ence being CAN-LABELING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 22, 1918.

Application filed February 5. 1916.' Serial No. 76,486.

To all whom it may concern:

a citizen of the Ynited States. residing at State of Maryland. andHarwooo G. DEWEY. a citizen of the ['nited States. residing at\Vestminster. in the county of Carroll and State of Maryland. haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Can-Labeling Machines,of which the following is a specification. referhad therein to theaccompanying drawing.

' This invention relates to can wrapping machines of a character adaptedto neatly fold projecting edges of a label over the constitute with thatportion of the label ap plied to the periphery tially complete wrappertherefor.

The wrapping machine herein contemplated is of the general typeillustrated and described in the pending application for Letters-Patentof Knapp and Dewey filed February 13. 1915. Ser. No. 8078, and entitledCan wrapping machine. in which application the machine illustratedtherein is designed more particularly to 'liave considerable capacity.to the end that great numbers of cans may be wrapped in a short intervalof time. and while machines of this type have gone into extensive usewith entirely satisfactory results, it is one of the primary objects ofthe present invention to preserve the advantages of many of the salientcharacteristics of the said machine. butat-the same time to provide asimplified construction of reduced capacity and of less expense,

- for the more especial use of those whose output does not warrant themore expensive machine of increased capacity.

One of the features of the present invention embodies a novel type ofconveyer or transfer means for the cans adapted to deliver the same tothe folding mechanism, and

novel driving 'mechanism,-for. said convey/er, t0 the end that thecans-will be accurately positioned relative to the folding mechanism andmaintained in this position during the folding operation, the drivingmechanism for the conveyor being intermittently operable and accuratelytimed.

More particularly, the conveyor includes a. rotatable reel hating aplurality of can re ceiving parts at the periphery thereof and saidfolded portions of the can a substanmeans for periodically actuating thereel whereby to successively register the cans mounted on the reel withthe folding mechanis'm. the movement of the reel being automaticallyinterrupted when the cans are properly registered. and in thisconnection, novel braking mans is properly provided in operativeassociation with the reel to prevent continued movement thereof afterhaving reached can registering position.

It is also contemplated by the invention to provide novel centeringmeans for the cans. adapted to engage the cans positioned on the reeland properly position the same relative to'the reel prior to thepositioning of said centered can in operative relation to the foldingmechanism.

Again it is proposed by the present invention-to provide cooperatingfolding heads adapted to engage opposite projecting edges of the labeland fold the same over the ends of the cam-said folding heads havingoperatively connected therewith auxiliary centering devices to insureproper positioning of the can immediately prior to the actuation of thefolding mechanism.

The invention further includes automatically operable clamping orpressing means to engage 'the peripherv of the can when in position tobe engaged by the folding heads.

said means being releasable after the foldmg operation is completethwhereby the wrappedcan is free to move in the continued movement of theconveyer.

Another ob ect of the lnventlon" 1s to provide novel and efliclent meansfor rotating the folding mechanism while in'contact with the foldedprojected edges of the labels.

whereby to iron'the same and cause the folds of the label to assume aposition flat agai nst the ends of the can.

Another feature of the invention includes novel means for delivering thewrapped cans -details, without departing'from the spirit.

" Fig.11 is a top plan'of the operation of each movable part beingaccurately timed with respect to the other movable parts.

Finally the invention contemplates a machine of the character described,compara-' .tively simple in design and construction, comp'act,relatively inexpensive, and at the same time highly efficient inoperation, and

strong and durable in use.

Many other and further improvements andv novel details inthe-construction and arrangement of parts will be appreciated from thedescription to follow, it being understood in this connection .that manyminor changes may be made in the various of the invention.

In the description and accompanying claims, while the term can or cansmay be employed for convenience as the article -to be labeled orWrapped, it is to be understood that this term-isa general one andincludes within its contemplation any other article, carton or packageof a character to be successfully wrapped by the mechanism employed.

- The description is to be considered in con nection with theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein is disclosedfor the purpose of illustIat1on,"-a convenientvand satisfactoryembodiment of I ing connections between the movable parts.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the discharge end of the machine,illustrating more particularly 'a delivery runway and means for engagingthe wrapped ends of, the cans to further compress and maintain the foldsat said ends,'and a Fig-10 is a section of the same. v

thecarrier reel and associated parts; g jWith more particular referenceto the drawings, wherein like" reference numerals referto correspondingparts throughout. the

several views, 1. i 'a suitable framework preferably mounted-uponrollers "2; whereby the machine maybe-transported fromplace to place. Itis;t o begfunderstoodthat the ma-' chine herein more "particularly:described. ,is

adapted. primarily tofold rojectin'gedges of labels over the ends'oft 6cans, it'being understood that the labels are previpusly applied to thecans by means of mechanism,

not necessary to illustrate indetail herein in view of the fact thatthelabeling mechi anism per se constitutes the subject-matter of adivisional application filed concurrently herewith. In said divisionalapplication is illustrated the wrapping mechanism of the presentinvention and its operative association and connection' jwith thelabeling mechanism forming the basis of such application.

Positioned on the frameworkof the -ma chine, is a suitable motor 3having a shaft 4 upon Whichis mounted a pinion 5 adapted to mesh with agear wheel 6 mounted upon a shaft 7 supported in suitable bearings onthe frame work and having connected at one end thereof suitable pulleys8 and atthe opposite end thereof a suitable hand wheel 9.

The gear wheel 6 is adapted to slide. along the shaft 7 or out ofengagement with the pinion 5. as desired, whereby the shaft- 7 may bedirectly driven either by the hand wheel 9 or'suitable power drivenbelts not. illustrated, but adapted to engage the pulleys 8. By reasonof the construction just 'described, it will be observed that themachine is of a character to be driven according to the desire of theoperator either by the motor directly mounted on the framework,-conveniently an electric motor, or by the belt drive, or even at timesmanually through the medium of the hand wheel 9.

Assuming that it is desired to impart movement to the shaft 7 throughthe medium of the motor 3, the gear wheel 6 will be fixed on the shaftin registration with the pinion 5 by'means of a suitable releasable bolt10 or other retaining means.

with a gear wheel 12 mounted upon a rotatable shaft 13 having asuitablebevel gear 14 adapted to mesh with a bevel gear 15 mounted upona shaft 16, which latter, through the medium of a detachable couplingmember 17 of any desired construction is adapted to be coupled withdrive shaft of the labeling machine, as illustrated Fixed on the shaft 7is a .suitable pinion 11 adapted to mesh more particularly in thedivisional ap'plication filed herewith. 7

The folding heads are generally indicated by the reference characters Xand X, two

being employed whereby to simultaneously. engage and fold projectingedges of the labels over the respective ends of the can,

and as theseheads are similar in'construc- -j tion, a description of onewill sufiice for the other-. 18 is an annular disk havingprojecti-ngtherefrom, suitable supporting arms 19 to which are pivotedby hangers 20 "1'25 suitable rotatable folding fingers 21 pivotally Iconnected to elongated arms 23 connected at,

a the rear ends thereof at 24 to a suitable disk member 25. The member18- is fixed to a'-' suitable sleeve 26 for slidable'an d rotatable thesleeve 26, and is secured as by means of in the folding operation, andsuitable spiral pins 28 passing through slotted ways 29in the sleeve 26and secured to the shaft 27. Suitable spring fingers 30 are carried bythe members 18 to co6perate with the fingels 21 springs 31 engagerespectively the links or hangers 20 and an offset rear end of the arms19. The folding heads as thus far described.

are, in material respects similar to the folding heads as illustratedand described in -uprights 33 and February 13, 1915,

'ranged upon one end detail in the patentito Knapp and Leister, No.1135294, and the co-pending application of Knapp and Dewey, Ser. No.8078, filed and it is notnecessary to describe in detail the functionand operation of these parts herein. A longitudinally extending shaft 32overlies the folding heads, being supported by suitable uprights 33 and34 on the main supporting frame.

of the shaft 32 is a suitable s rocket wheel' 35 and positioned upon thesliaft 13 is a similar sprocket wheel of reduced diameter 36, the saidwheels being adapted to receive a sprocket chain 37, whereby the shaft32 is rotated; A suitable chain tightener 38 mounted upon a swingingbracket 39 having a bolt and slot engagebers fixed upon the shaft 32,the said members having a peripheral cam groove 42 and an cam surface43. Fixed upon the sleeves 2 6 as by .brackets 44 are suitable rollerbearings 45 adapted to engage the peripheral cam grooves 42 and sleevedupon thejend of the shafts 27 are suitable bracket supports 46 carryinga roller bearing 47 to engage the side cam surfaces 43. Inter posedbetween the bracket supports 46 and end abutments 48 at the end .of theshafts 27 are suitable spring 49, whereby to exert inward pressure onthe bracket'supports 46 to insure engagement of the roller bearings 47with the cam surface 43.

From the description thus far it will be observed that as the shaft 13is rotated, the shaft 32 is in turn rotated 'tlfrough the medium of thechain- 37 bers 41" are continuously rotated.

, Assuming that the folding heads are.in retracted position, the'diskmembers 25 are in contact with the abutments 25 of the the foldingfingers 21 are in ,retracted position. The continued rotation of the cammembers 42 by engaging therollers 45, will exert inward movement tothe 1sleeves 26 and when the inwardlimit of' -movement is reached, the camsurfaces 43 w;l1 exert outward pressure on the roller bearings 47,thereby the members 26' outwardly which in the folding friction drivemechanism and the cam memspring 62, and thereby fingers 21 in contactwith the folded edges of the wrapper, by means to be presentlydescribed. and when rotation is complete the cam surfaces 21 bycontinued engagement with the rollers 45. will draw the sleeve 29 andparts connected therewith outwardly until the hub or boss of the member25 again contacts withthe abutment 25* which will cause the stoppage ofthe member 25 and continued sliding movement of the member 18, therebyretracting the fingers 21 as will be obvious. Suitable yieldableabutments 50 spring held as at 51 in sockets in the frame-- work areadapted to be contacted by the members 18, as the latter reach the limitof outward movement.

The means for rotating the folding heads is preferably of substantiallythe following construction 1 Mounted upon the sleeve 26 for rotatablemovem'ent therewith is a suitable collar 52 adapted to be intermittentlyengaged by a conveniently made up as follows :Positioned upon the shaft32 for rotatable movement therewith is a suitable boss 53 having an armextension or bracket part 54 having a bifurcated terminal 55 adapted forthe reception of an elongated arm 56 pivoted to said bifurcated terminalas by meansof apintle 57. The arm 55 has a segmental elongated exension' 58 having secured to the outer surface thereof a friction pad orthe like 59, thesaid parts being so arranged to in the rotatablemovement of the shaft 32 engage thecollar 52 to impart rotatablemovement thereto. In order to constantly exert outward pressure on thefriction shOe 58 t'omaintain driving conbeing secured at one end to anoffset part 61 of the arm 56 and at its opposite endto a bolt 62. Thespring and bolt are arran within an aperture extending through airintegral projection of the boss 53-which pro-.' weighted and constitutesin ef-' jection 63 is fect a'counterbalance for the friction shoe 1 andparts carried thereby. -A nut threadedto the terminal of the bolt 62 andengaging one edge of the projection 63 constitutes means for adjustingthe tension of the regulate the engagement of the friction shoe with thecollar 52.

. shoe 58 under the action of the spring 60.

It will be observed that the parts are so arranged and timed that whenthe shaft 27 A'suit'able bolt or the like 65 adjustably i has been movedto contact the folding fingers 21 with the ends of the can, the free endof the friction shoe 58 will contact with the collar 52 thereby rotatingthe sleeve 26 and shaft 27 together with thefolding fingers to therebycrease the end folds of the wrapper as formed by the folding mechanism.Thereafter, the shoe 58 moves out of contact with the collar and the cammember 41 operates to retract the folding heads. While the shoes 58 arein contact with the collar whereby to rotate the heads, it will beobserved that the rollers 45 and 47 are in engagement with a straightportion of the cooperating cam surfaces to the end that no longitudinalmovement of the heads will at this time take place.

A preferred can transfer or conveyer mechanism will now be described. Arotatalile reel or carrier member conveniently comprising opposed disks66 having abutting annular flanges 67 is provided, said disks havingspokes 68 connecting with hubs 69 secured to a shaft 70 for rotatablemovement therewith. The reel is intermittently actuated by means to bepresently describedand has about the periphery thereof, a plurality ofsegmental recesses or pockets 71 shaped to conform to the periphery of acan and adapted to project over a substantial portion of said canperiphery. The conveyer member is designed to move between the foldingheads X and X and also to move between cooperating members 72 of adischarge runway leading from label applying and fixing mechanism whichattaches to the periphery of the can a label with edges projectingbeyond the same. The said members 72 have at the terminal thereofsegmental depressed portions forming a receiving pocket for the can, andthe reel in its movement between the members 72 will bring a recessedportion 71 thereof in direct position to engage and pick up a candeposited in the depressed portion or pocket of the. runway members 72.Y

A suitable intermittent drive for the can conveyer or transfer mechanismincludes a rotatable disk 73 secured to the shaft 32 for movementtherewith, the said member 73 groove 74 adapted to be engaged by aroller 75 positioned at the end of a lever 76 pivoted intermediatetitsends as by a pintle 77 to one of the upright members 34. The lever 76 atits free end has a pin and slot connection 78 with an elongatedconnecting arm or link 79 which latter is pivoted at its-opposite end asby a pintle 80 with one end of a rock arm 81 sleeved upon the shaft 70.The rock arm has at its free opposite end a pivoted actuating dog 82adapted-to engage the periphery of a disk 83 which said disk is fixedupon for movement with the shaft'70z-YAsp i-ing 84: connected at one endgaged by the rocker arm 81 in its movement and thereby lift the lockinglug 88 out of engagement with the locking notches. 91, a spring member92 being provided for normally maintaining the dog 85 in lockingposition, the said spring being connected" at one end to the offset part89, of the locking dog and at its opposite end to the support 34. Theactuating dog 82 is adaptedto impart movement to the disk 83 by engagingthe notched portions or teeth 93 of the disk.

Assuming that the folding operation of the heads X- X is completed andthey are retracted, the parts just described will be in substantiallythe position illustrated in Fig. 5 at which time the dog 82 is inengagement with the notch 93 of the disk 83, and the movement impartedto the lever 76 and link 79 through the medium of the cam engaged roller75 will rotatethe diskin the direction of the arrow (Fig. 5), asufficient distance, whereby toregister the labeled can in thesucceeding pocket 71 ofthe reel in position-to have th projecting edgesof the label folded against the'ends of the can. When ihe can is in thisposition, the disk 83 is in position tg'permit the a -X having beenretracted, the cam 74 having upon one surface thereof a ing mechanism.The braking mechanism'in 126 the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated,.comprises a segmental shoe 94 having a friction surface 95 to engagethe annular flange 67. The member 94' is pivoted intermediate ;its endsas by a pintle96 to a pro- "jection 97 on the supporting frame and a.

spring member 98 connected at 99 to said supporting frame and having aneye 100 atits opposite end adapted to engage over the free end of themember 94. is adapted to exert constant spring pressure on the member 04whereby the shoe will afford a constant drag or restraining medium forthe reel. to prevent rotation thereof except when positively rotated bythe actuating dog 82 and associated parts The free end of the member 95is-preferably notched as indicated at 101. whereby the tension of thespring may be adjusted by engaging the eye 100 thereof. with thedilferent notches 101.

Suitable holding or clamping means for the cans when in position to beacted upon by the folding heads XX' preferably includes a segmentalpresser foot 102 having a yieldable surface 103 adapted to engage theperiphery of the can intermediate its ends. Said presser foot is looselysupported for a slight rocking movement as by a pintle' 101 upon abifurcated bracket member 105 the opposite arms of which have bosses 106with elongated vertically disposed slots 107 sleeved upon the shaft 32.The arms 105 connect at the top with a vertical extension 108 having avertically slotted portion 109 sleeved upon a suitable support ing rod110 projecting between the supports 33. Positioned on the shaft 32 forrotatable movement therewith is a cam disk 111 arranged between the arms105 on the supporting bracket and adapted to engage a roller 112 havingbearings in said arms 105. whereby to impart vertical movement to thepres er foot or clamp proper, Spring menr bers 113 secured at theirlower ends to members 114 mounted on the support 110 and at theiropposite ends to bolts 115 adjustably mounted as by nuts 116 upon aT-shaped head 11? of the supporting bracket tends to exert downwardpressure on the bracket and the presser foot or clamp. when downwardmovement of the latter is permitted by the reduced portion of the cam111 coming in contact with the roller 112 carried by said bracket. Theparts just described are so timed that when, the folding heads X-X' arein retracted position. an elevated portion of the cam in engagement withthe roller 112 will maintain the presser foot or clamp out of the pathof the can carrying reel. As the folding heads are moved inwardly. soalso is the pres er foot moved dm nwardly. and just prior to themovement of the folding fingers 21 into contact with the can heads. thepresser foot or clamp will have reached the limit of its downwardmovement. thereby firmly clamping the can in fixed position relative tothe peripheral retaining pocket of the reel which. at this time isstationary. The presscr foot or clamp will be maintained in scription ofone will ing heads X-X' clamping position until after the rotation ofthe folded heads XX" is completed and the retractive movement of theheads commences, vated.

Means for properly centering the cans prior to the folding action of theheads is provided in operative association with the reel, and will nowbe referred to.

A pair of centering devices is provided, one to engage each" end of thecan. and a deanswer for the other, the same being duplicates. A bracketsupport 118 is mounted in any desired manner to the framework of themachine at the front thereof, said support having at the top thereofspaced arms 119 terminating in apertured lugs 120 adapted to receive areciprocating shaft 121. The shaft 121 has secured thereo a suitableshoe 122 adapted to engage the periphery of the cam member 41, and saidshoe having connected therewith a roller member 123 adapted to engagethe cam groove 42 heretofore described. Molmted uponl the end of theshaft h121 is a downward y project-i arm 121 M" an :1 ertured bom 125 htthe lower dii d thei eof adapted to loosely receive a shaft 126terminating at its inner end in a centering device 127 to engage the endof the can at substantially the center thereof. A suitable nut 128limits the inward movement of the centering devices. and a suitablespring 129 interposed between a. lug 130' fixed on the shaft 127 andatits opposite end to the boss 125 tends to normally retain thecentering device wit-h the abutment 128 in contact with the boss, saidspring however affording suflicient; yieldabilit-y to the centeringdevices to accommodate for any irregularity in the size of the cans.adapted to engage. the can in that pocket im mediately succeeding thepocket which supports the can the projecting edges of the label on whichare being folded. and the c0nstruction of the cam 42 is teriug devicesreach the inward limit of movement while the carrying reel 6666 is instationary position. Auxiliary centering means may be provided tofurther center the can just prior to the folding operation of thefingers 21. this auxiliary centering means preferably taking the form ofpointed extensions 130 on the shafts 2T. 'hen the fold are in retractedposition, the members 18 and 25 are substantially in contact and thecentering devices 130 pro ject to a point in substantial alinement withthe outer ends of the lugs 19. which position the centering devices 130maintain until they contact with opposite ends of the can. therebyaccurately seating and centering the same in the pocket 71 of thecarrying reel. The folding fingers 21 are at this time in retractedposition. and so soon as the members when the presser foot will beelesuch that the cenarecentered by the centering devices 130 the-presser foot or clamp 102 will immediately ,[clamp the can in theproperly centered posi 'tion. Thereupon,'the cam roller 37 by en-,suitable downwardly projecting arms 132' loosely supported at 133 uponatransverse bar mounted upon supporting brackets 134 projecting from theframework of the machine at the rear thereof. The runway 131 has acut-out portion conveniently formed by projecting side bars 135 adaptedto overlie opposed sides of the carrier reel 66-66 to the end that thecans will fall out of the pockets 71 of the reel directly on to the mainportion of the runway, which connects with said side extensions 135. Therunway is sup ported intermediate its endsas by an upright bar 136pivoted at 137 to the runway and pivoted at its lower end to a lug 138mounted upon the base of the frame 1.1 The connection 137 includes apintle carried by the bar 136 adapted to engage any one of a series ofengaging recesses 137, whereby the to the lug, tending to normally forcethe.

connection between the bar 136 and the runway may be adjusted, andwhereby the inclination of the runway may be Varied at will. Suitableguide bars for the ends of the wrapped can are provided, said guide barsbeing illustrated at 139, the same preferably inclining outwardly towardthat end of the runway adapted to receive the cans from the carrier reel6666. The guide bars 139 are supported adjacent this end of the runwayas by means of suitable brackets 140 having at the top thereof aperturedlugs 141 adapted to receive a laterally projecting pintle 142 secured tothe bars 139. The pintle 142after being properly adjusted relative tothe apertured ug, according to the size of thecan is held in fixedposition by suitable bolts or the like. .The guide arms or bars 139gradually taper toward one another, toward the free or outerend'thereof, and areyieldablv supported, whereby to give laterally bymeans of suitable supporting arms 144 having at the top thereof, anapertured lug 145 adapted to receive a pintle 146 projecting from thebar 139. The engagement between the pintle 146 and lug 145 is a looseone, a ,smtable spring 147 being provided, secured-"at one end tothepintle 146 and at its opposite end bars inwardly. The bars are spacedupwardly fromthe runway a sufiicient distance to engage the cans at apoint t one side of the center thereof, andbecause of the fact that thebars adjacent the discharge end of the runway yieldably engage thefolded edges on the wrapper at the ends of the can, the folded edges ofthe wrapper will be maintained in folded condition and further creasedor ironed into snug contact with the ends of the can.

The operation may be reviewed as, follows ' The supporting frame for thefolding mechanism having been properly registered with and cou led upwith the means for ap plying and a King to the cans alabel, with theedges of the label projecting beyond the ends thereof, the shaft 13 isrotated, thereby imparting rotation to the shaft 32. The transfer orcarrier reel 6666 moving between the discharge end of the runway members72 of the label applying mechanism by reason of its driving connectionwith the shaft 32, will pick up a labeled can from the retaining pocketat the discharge'end of the labeling mechanism, when the centeringdevices 127 will be moved inwardly into contact with the can to centerthe same by reason of the engagement of the roller member 123 with thecam groove 42. Continued movement of a cam member 41 will cause thecentering devices to move outwardly to thereby release the can, thecarrier reel 66--66 being in stationary position during the centeringoperation. The continued movement of the carrier reel brings the 'can inposition to be acted upon by the folding heads X-X when the rotatablemovement of the reel is interrupted and maintained interrupted duringthe folding operation. Thereupon the folding heads are moved inwardlyinto folding position, but previous to'the operation of the foldingfingers 21 to fold the projecting edges of the wrapper, the auxiliarycentering devices 130 engage the ends of the can and thereafter theclamp 102 is forced downwardly under spring pressure 113 into holdingcontact with the centered cani ffhe shaft 27 by reason of theengagementiof its roller 47 and the cam surface 43, when the heads arein folding posi- 115 tion will be forced outwardly thereby moving thecentering devices 130 outwardly together withthe members 25 of thefolding head which results in swinging the folding fingers inwardly intocontact with the 'projecting edges of the label thereby completing thefolding operation, the folds being creased by the rotatable movement ofthe heads due to the engagement of the friction shoes 58 with thecollars 52. Upon the completion of the rotation of the folding headsX-X,

the presser foot or clamp 102 is elevated. the folding-heads areretracted and the carrier reel has imparted thereto rotatable movementwhereby to discharge thewrapped 13L can on to the runway 131, the sidebars 139 of which further creasing the folds and cansing the same tosnugly contact. with the ends of the can.

5 What is claimed as new is:

In a' machine for applying labels to cans, the combination of means forsupporting a can with a label applied thereto and one edge of the labed'projecting beyond the end of the can, a slidable and rotatable headhaving folding mechanism to engage and fold the projecting edge of thelabel over the end of the can, a drive shaft having at one end handoperating means and at its opposite end belt engaging-means, a

motor. gear mechanism interposed betweensaid motor and the shaftintermediate the ends of the latter, means for rendering said gearmechanism inoperative to rotate the shaft, and means interposed between"said shaft and the folding head whereby said shaft imparts slidable androtatable movement to the head when operated through the medium of anyof its operating means previously described. 1

2. In a machine for folding projecting edges of a label over the ends ofa can. the combination of a supporting frame, opposed folding headspositioned on said frame, a can support positioned between said foldingheads and periodically movable to. position a can relative to the heads,folding mechanism mounted on the heads. a motor positioned on the frame.and operative drive connection between the motor and said folding headsand between the motor and the can support.

In a machine of the character described. having means for supporting acan with a label applied thereto and one edge of the label projectingbeyond one end of the can, the combination of a rotatable head havingfolding fingers to engage and fold said projecting edge of the labelover the end of the can. a stationary support. a rotatable shaft for thehead mounted on said -h support. and friction drive means'for said saft.

4. In a machine of the character de scribed. having means for supportinga can with a label applied thereto and one edge of the label projectingbeyond one end of the can. the combination of a rotatable head havingfolding fingers to engage and fold said projecting edge of the labelover the end of the can. a stationary support, a rotatable shaft for'the head mounted on said support. friction drive means for said shaftincluding a collar on the shaft. and a movable friction member to engagethe collar and rotate the shaft.

5. In a machine of the character described, having means for supportinga-can with a label applied thereto and one edge of the label projectingbeyond one end of the can,

for moving the head mountedon said sup- 'folding fingers to engage andfold said a shaft support for the the combination of a rotatable headhaving folding fingers to engage and fold said projecting edge of thelabel over the end of the can, a stationary support, a rotatable shaftport," friction drive means for said shaft comprising a rotatablefriction surface to engage a part carried by the shaft, and

means for exerting pressure on said surface while in contact with saidpart.

6. In a machine of the character described, I I having means forsupporting aflpan with a label applied thereto and one edge of the labelprojecting beyond one end of the can, the combination of a rotatablehead having rojectingjedge of the label over the end of the can, astationary support, a rotatable/shaft for moving theghead mounted onsaid support, and friction drive means for said shaft, comprising amovable friction shoe adapted to engage a part on the shaft underconstant spring pressure.

7. In a-machjne ofthecharacterdescribed, the combination of a, rotatablefolding head,

head, means for 1-0 tating the shaft comprising a rotatable fricti0n'sh0e'adapted to frictionally engage a parton the shaft, and means formtermittently moving said shoe into and out of contact with said partwhereby the head is m tated intermittently.

8. In 1 machine of the character described, the combination of arotatable folding. head having means adapted in the rotation of the headto engage and fold projecting-edges of a label over the end of a can, ashaft support for the head. and means for rotating the shaftcomprisinga: rotatable friction shoe adapted to periodically frictionallyengage165 a part on the shaft, said shoe comprising a segmental part free atone end and a movable support for said part. c

9. In a machine of the character described, the combination of arotatable folding head aving means adapted in the rotation of the headto fold projecting edges of a label'over the end of a can, a shaftsupport for the head, and means for rotating the shaft comprising arotatable member A adapted to periodically engage a part on the shaft,said member having a yieldable engaging surface of frictional material.V

10. In a machine of the character described. the combination of arotatable fold ,120 :ing head having means acting in the rotation of thehead to fold projecting edges of the label over the end of a can, ashaft support for the head. and means for rotating the shaft comprisinga rotatable friction shoe adapted to intermittently frictionally engagea part on the shaft, said shoe comprising a segmental engaging surfaceand a counter-balance connected therewith.

11. In a machine of the character de- 1% scribed, the combination of asupport for a can, means for applying a label to the'canwith an edge ofthe label projecting beyond the end of the can, a rotatable folding headhaving means adapted in the rotation of the head to fold the projectingedges of the label over the end of the can, a shaft supporttherefor,having an annular enlargement,

and yieldable means to engage said enlargement for rotating the shaftand head carried thereby comprising a segmental shoe pivotally supportedintermediate its'ends,

said shoe being free at one end to engage said enlargement of the shaft,a yieldable support for the opposite end of the shoe, and a rotatablesupport for said shoe where by the same is moved into and out of contactwith said enlargement.

12. In a machine of the character described, the combination of arotatable folding head, means for supporting a can With a label appliedthereto With an edge of the label projecting beyond the edge of the can,a shaft support for the head, having an annular enlargement, and meansto engage said 13. In a machine of the character described, thecombination of a carrier 'reel, means for rotating the reel, said reelhaving means for supporting a can with a label applied thereto and edgesof the label projecting beyond the ends of the can, rotatable foldingheads having folding mechanisms to engage said projecting edges of thelabel and fold the same against the ends of the can, a shaft carried bythe heads, a fixed support for the shaft, means operatively associatedwith the shafts for reciprocating the. heads into and out of operativeposition relative to said can support, means also associated with saidshafts for rotating the heads when the folding mechanism is in operativeposition, means for interrupting the movement of the carrier reel, andmovable means independent of and acting automatically to engage the canand hold the same against rotation during the rotatable movement of theheads.

14. In a machine of the character described, the combination ofmeans-for supporting a can With a label applied thereto and edges of thelabel projecting beyond the ends of the can, opposed heads havingfolding mechanism mounted thereon, adapted to fold said projecting edgesin contact with the ends of the can, operating means for the a heads andfolding mechanism, and can centering means earned by the heads.

15. In a machine of the character described, the combination of meansfor sup-- porting a can with a label applied thereto and edges of thelabel projecting beyond the ends of the can, opposed heads havingfolding mechanism mounted thereonadapted to fold said projecting edgesin contact With the ends of the can, operating means for the heads andfolding mechanism, and can centering means carried by the heads,comprising reciprocating pins adapted to engage-theends of the canadjacent the center thereof.

16. In a machine of the character deprojecting edges of the labelapplied to acan,

a can support arranged between the heads, said folding mechanismincluding a cluster of pivotally mounted folding fingers, and acentering device carried by each head at a point Within the boundary ofsaid fingers.

18. In a machine of the character described, the combination of opposedheads having folding mechanism thereon to fold projecting edges of thelabel applied to a can, a can support arranged between the heads, saidfolding mechanism including a cluster of pivotally mounted foldingfingers,

and means for moving the folding fingers and centering devices inopposite directions whereby in the actuation of the folding fingers the.centering devices Will be out of the path thereof.

19. In a machine of the character described, the combination of vopposedheads having folding mechanism thereon to fold projecting edges of thelabel applied to acan, a can support arranged between the heads, saidfolding mechanism including a cluster of pivotally mounted foldingfingers, a centering device carried by each head at-a point Within theboundary of said fingers, means for moving the folding fingers andcentering devices in opposite directions whereby in actuation ofthefolding fingers the centering devices will be out of the path thereof,

and a presser member to engage the can and cooperate with said supportto hold the can during the folding operation. I

a centering device carried by each head at a point within the boundaryof said-fingers,

tioned at. an angle.

20. In a machine of the character described, the combination of meansfor supporting a can with a label applied thereto and the edge of thelabel projecting beyond one end of thecan, a head, having a cluster ofpivoted folding fingers to fold said projecting edge of the labeloverthe end of the can, said fingers being normally positioned at anangle to the plane of the can end and out of contact therewith, acentering device movably mounted on the head at a point within thecluster of fingers, means for moving the centering device into contactwith theend of the can. and means for thereafter moving the foldingfingers into contact with the projection of the labels to fold the samein contact with the can end.

21. In a machine of the character described, the combination of meansfor sup porting a can with a label applied thereto and the edge of thelabel projecting beyond one end of the can, a head. having a. cluster ofpivoted folding fingers to fold said projecting edge of the label overthe end of the can, said fingers being normally posiend and out ofcontact therewith. a centering device movably mounted on the head at apoint within the cluster of fingers, means for moving the centeringdevice into contact with the end of the can, and means for thereaftermoving the centering device away from the end of the can andsubsequently moving the folding fingers with the projecting edge of thelabel in folded contact with the can end. I A

22. In a machine of the, character described, the combination of meansfor sup porting a can with'a label applied thereto and one edge of thelabel projecting beyond one end of the cam, a folding head, a cluster offolding fingers carried by the head, a centering device carried by thehead, means for l reciprocating the centering device into and out ofcontact with the can end, and means for moving the folding fingers tofold the projecting ends of the label into contact with the can endafter the can is releasediby the centering device.

23. In a machine of the character described, the combination of meansfor supporting a can with a label applied thereto and one edge of thelabel of folding fingers carried by the head, a centering device carriedby the head,.lnea.ns for reciprocating the centering device into and outof contact with the can end, means for moving the folding fingers tofold the projecting ends of the label into contact with released by thecentering device, andfa can clamping member to holdingly" engage the canafter being centered and during the folding operation.

24. In a labeling machine, the combinato the plane of the canshafts,

projecting beyond one end of the can. a folding head, a cluster tion ofopposed folding heads, a. support between the heads adapted to support acan with a label applied thereto having opposite edges of the labelprojecting bevond the ends of the can, folding mechanism carried by theheads for said projecting edges, centering devices operat-ivelyassociated with said heads for centering the can on said support, meansfor moving the centering devices into and out of contact with the can,and a can clamp movable into and out of contact with the can, and saidclamp being movable into contact with the can after the centeringoperation.

2 5. In a machine of the character descr1 bed,.'a. can support, arotatable head,- folding mechanism carried bv the head, a supportingframe, the head having a slidable connection with the supporting frame,meansfor reciprocating the head, a yieldable contact member on saidframe to be engaged by the head in one of its movements, and gradually.interrupting the movement thereof. 1

26,. In a machine of the character described, the combination of'a headhaving label folding mechanism, a supporting shaft for the head, a driveshaft, a driven shaft, sprocketsonthe drive and driven shafts, a chainconnection between the sprockets, and a. yieldable drive between saiddriven shaft and the supporting shaftfor rotating the latter.

27. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a headhaving label folding mechanism, asupporting .shaft for the head, a driveshaft, a driven shaft.

sprockets on the drive and driven a chain connection between thesprocket an intermittently operable yieldable direct friction drivebetween said driven shaft andthe supporting shaft for rotating thelatter periodically,'and a drive connection between said driven shaft.and supporting shaft for reciprocating the head.

In a machine of the character described, "the combination of aheadhaving label folding mechanism, a supporting shaft for the head,-a driveshaft,'a. driven shaft, sprockets on the drive and driven shafts, achain connection between the sprockets,- an

operative drive connection between said driven shaft and supportingshaft, a. can support, and a-presser member cooperating with the cansupport to clamp a can in operative, position relative to said head and29. In a' machine of the character described, the combination of a headhaving label folding mechanism, a supporting shaft for the head, a driveshaft, a driven shaft, sprockets-on the drive and driven shafts, a chainconnection between the sprockets, an

against rotation, said presser member hav .mg drlving COIIIIBCtlOIL withsaid drlven shaft.

operative drive connection between said driven shaft and supportingshaft, a can support, a presser member cooperating with.

the can support to clamp a can. in operative position relative to saidhead, and a cam on the shaft for actuating said presser member.

30. Ina machine of the character described, the combination of a head,folding fingers carried by the head a rotatable cam member having aplurality (of cam surfaces,

and cam engaging members operatively asport for the cam member, anddriving connection between the shaft support and head to rotate thelatter.

32. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a head,folding carried by the head, a rotatable cam member having a pluralityof cam surfaces, and cam engaging members operatively associated withthe head and engaging said cam surfaces to reciprocate the head andactuate said fingers, a can support and a movable centering device toengage a can on said support, said centering device having actuatingmeans operatively associated with said cam member.

33. In a machine of the character described, the combination of opposedfolding heads having label folding fingers, rotatable cam members onefor each head, said cam members having a plurality of cam surfaces, andmeans operatively associated with the heads and with said cam surfacesto reciprocate the heads and actuate said fingers,

a can support, reclprocating centering de- 'ices, and means engaging oneof said cam surfaces of the cam members to actuate said centeringdevices.

3%. In a labeling machine,

projecting beyond the ends of the can, opposed folding heads havingmeans to fold said projecting edges over the ends of the can, a cammember, can centering devices, means for moving the heads toward andfrom each other, means for moving said cenering devices toward and fromeach other, both of said means being actuated by said cam member.

35. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a cansupport, folding heads having means to fold project a support for canshaving labels applied thereto with edges ing edges of a label over theends of the can on said support, a rotatable member having a camsurface, can centering devices to engage a can on said support arrangedforwardly of said heads, means for reciprocating the heads. means forreciprocating the centering devices, both of said means having actuatingmeans engaging said cam surface.

36. In a machine of the character described, the combination ofoppositely disposed rotatable folding heads, and means movable betweenthe heads for feeding cans to and from the heads. said means comprisinga reel having peripheral can receiving grooves or pockets, and meansindependent of the reel movable into contact with the cans to preventthe same from rotating during the rotation of said heads.

37. In a machine of the character described, the combination ofoppositely disposed rotatable folding heads, and means movable betweenthe heads for feeding cans to and from the heads, said means comprisinga reel having peripheral can receiving grooves or pockets, means forintermittently feeding said reel whereby to successively register saidgrooves with the heads, and means common to each groove ofthe reel forclamp ing the cans against rotation during the interrupted movement ofthe reel.

38. In a machine of the character described, the combination ofoppositely disposed rotatable folding heads, and meansv movable betweenthe heads for feeding cans to and from the heads. said means comprisinga reel having peripheral can receiving grooves or pockets, and means forintermittently feeding said reel whereby to successively register saidgrooves with the heads, and a single movable presser foot automaticallyoperable and adapted to successively engage the periphery of the cansand clamp the same immovablv against the wall of the pocket during thefolding operation.

39. In a machine of the character described, the combination ofoppositely disposed rotatable folding heads, and means movable betweenthe heads for feeding cans to and from the heads, said means comprisinga reel having peripheral can receiving grooves or pockets, and means forintermittently feeding said reel whereby to successively register saidgrooves with the heads, and automatically operable can clamping meanscommon to all of said pockets cooperating with the wall of said groovesto reel having peripheral can receiving pockfor the rock-arm.

means acting "scribed,- the means for intermittently interrupting therotation of said reel, and reciprocating as the reel is stopped to clampa can in the groove against rotation during the foldingoperation of-theheads.

41. In a machine of the character described, the combination of foldingmeans for folding projecting edges of thelabel over the end of a pan, arotatable reel having a circumferential series of can receiving parts,means for rotating the reel apredetermined distance to successivelyregister the can receiving parts with said folding means, said meanscomprising a supportingshaft, a ratchet disk thereon, and a cam actuatedpawl to engage the teeth of said diskl 42. a machine of the characterdecombination of a folding head for projecting labels on the can, arotatable reel having a circumferential series of can adapted tosuccessively register with said folding head, means for rotating thereal a predetermined distance comprising a supporting shaft, a ratchetdisk thereon, J the teeth of said'disk, and areleasable look a camactuated pawl to engage ing pawl for the disk. v 4 In a machine of thecharacter. de

having a circumferential series of can receiving parts, adapted tosuccessively move into registration with the foldinghead, means forrotating the reel a predetermined distance comprising, a supportingvshaft, 'a ratchet disk thereon, a pawl to engage the ratchet teeth, arock arm support'for the pawl, and cam actuated means 44. In a machineof i'the character described, the combination of a folding head,

tating the reel register the-can receiving-parts with the. head,comprising a supporting shaft, a

a, rotatable reel having a circumferential series of cam receiv ngparts, means for roa predetermined distance to ratchet dis thereon, apawl to engage the ratchet teeth, a rock-arm support for the pawl, camactuated means for the rock arm.

and brake means operatively associated with the reel.

45. In' a. machine of the character "de-i scribed, the combination ofopposed folding heads a rotatable reel movable between the a heads andhaving a circumferential series of can receiving parts, means forrotating the reel a predetermined distance whereby the e said receivingparts with the heads, said means comprising a supporting shaft, a

reel will successively register the cans in ratchet disk thereon,

a pawl to engage the ratchet teeth, a

rock arm support for the scribed, the combination of opposed heads edgesof a label face,

operative connecti A rotating the latter. scribed, the combination of afolding head, a rotatable reel folding; heads.

-scribed, the combinati aWl, a lockin g awl to engage the disk,aid'locking pawl beingmoved out of locking position by one of themovements of the rock arm. V v

46. In a, machine of the character dehaving folding means to foldprojecting over the ends of a can, a rotatable reel having cansupporting parts arranged between the heads, and means for reel forbringintermittently rotating said mg said parts into operative positionrelative to the head comprising a shaft support for the reel, arotatable cam surface, a rock arm having means to engage the cam suraratchet disk on said shaft, a pawl to engage said disk, a rock armsupport for the pawl, and connection between said rock arms,a lockingpawl for the disk, and automatically releasable means for the locking Ypawl. a

- 47. In a machine of the character (les'cribed, the combination ofafolding head, a rotatable-can support to position a labeled canrelative to said head, a rotatable shaft, nbetween the shaft and head torotate the same, a cam member mounted on said shaft, a supporting shaftfor thecan support and connection between saidcam member and can supportshaft for 48. In a machine of the character de scribed, the combinationof-a folding. head, a. rotatable can support to position a labeled canrelative to said head, a rotatable shaft, operative connection betweenthe'shaft and head to rotate the same, an operative connection betweensaidshaftand the head to reciprocate the same, a cam member mounted onsaid shaft, a supporting shaft for the can support and connect onbetween said canrmember and canisupport shaft for intermittentlyrotating the latter.

49. In a machine. ofthe character described, the combinationof a supportfor a can having applied thereto a label with edges of the labelprojecting beyond the ends of the camifolding heads one at each side ofthe can support, and a vertically reciprocating presser imember.cooperating with the can support to maintain the can in fixed positionduring the-operation of said."

50. In a machine ,sof-igthe character deo'ii ofla support for. a canhaving appliedthereto a label with edges of the label projecting beyondthe ends of the can, folding heads one at each side of the can support,and a cam actuated I vertically reciprocating presser member cooperatingwith the can support to maintain the can in fixed position during theopera tion of said vfolding heads.

51. In afmachine of the character -de-" scribed, the combination of asupport for a can having applied thereto a label with edges of the labelprojecting beyond the ends of the can. folding heads one at each side ofthe can support. means for periodically moving the can support. anautomatically movable presser foot cooperating with said can support andgoverned by the movement thereof to maintain the can in fixed positionthereon during the operation of the folding mechanism, and a yieldablesupportfor the presser foot.

5:2. In a machine of the character described. the combination of asupport for a can having applied thereto a label with edges of the labelprojecting beyond the ends of the can, folding heads one at each side ofthe can support. a movable presser foot cooperating with said cansupport to maintain the can in fixed position thereon during theoperation of the folding mechanism. a reciprocating support for thepresser foot and a movable connection between said support and presserfoot permitting the latter to properly seat on the can.

53. In a machine of the character de-.

scribed, the combination of a support for a. can having hpplied theretoa .label with edges of the label projecting beyond the ends of the can,folding heads one at each side of the can support. a movable presserfootcooperating with said can support to maintain the can in fixedposition thereon during the operation of the folding mechanism. asupport for the presser foot, a roller bearing carried by the support. arotatable cam to engage said roller bearing. and spring means formaintaining the roller bearing in contact with the cam whereby thepresser foot is moved toward or from the can.

Kit. In ,a machine of the character described. means for supporting acan having applied thereto a label with'edges projecting beyond the endsof the can. oppositely disposed heads one at each side of said support.folding mechanism carried by the heads. a rotatable shaft abovethe-heads, means carried by the shaft to actuate the folding mechanism,and a can engaging presser member connected with said shaft andoperating prior to the folding operation to holdingly engage thecan onthe support. and means for simultaneously rotating the can supportingmeans and moving the presser member out of holding contact with the can.

55. In a machine of the character described. the combination of a cancarrier adapted to loosely support a can having applied thereto a labelwith edges of the label projecting beyond the ends of the can, foldingmechanism .arranged at opposite sides of the carrier to engage saidprojecting edges of the label and fold the same, centerpositely disposeding devices arranged in front of the carrier to engage the can. andauxiliary centering devices in substantial alinement witli the heads toengage the can immediately prior to the operation of the latter.

56. In a machine of the character described. the combination of arotatable reel having a circumferential series of segmental groovesforming can pockets to receive cans with a label applied thereto andedges of the label projecting beyond the ends of the can. folding headsfor said projecting edges of the label. means for rotating the reel.means for periodically interrupting the rotation of the reel forregistering the cans with said folding heads. and means forwardly of thereel to engage the cans at a point within the projecting edges of thelabel and properly center the same on the reel while the sameis at rest.

57. In a machine of the character de scribed. the combination of meansfor supporting a can having applied thereto a label with edges of thelabel projecting beyond the ends of the can. folding mechanism for saidprojecting edges. and a discharge chute having means to yieldably engagethe folded portion of said labels and press the folds flat against thecan.

58 In a machine of the character described ,-the combination of meansfor supporting a can having applied thereto a label with edges of thelabel projecting beyond the ends of the can. folding mechanism for saidprojecting edges. means for discharging the labeled cans from saidsupport. and opside rails for the cans assodischarge means said railsengaging surface folds of the label condition thereif.

ciated with said having a relatively narrow to frictionally engage theand maintain the folded 59. In a machine of the character scribed. thecombinatioirof means for sup-1 porting a can having applied thereto alabel with edges of the label projecting beyond the ends of the can.folding mechanism for said projecting edges. and means to yieldablyfrictionally engage the folded portions of the label after said foldingoperation to further crease the folds.

60. In a machine of the character ,described. the combination of meansfor supporting a can having applied thereto. a label with edges of thelabel projecting beyond the ends of the can. folding mechanism for saidprojecting edges. a discharge chute for the cans, and opposed rods onthe chute to engage and crease the folded portions of the labels on thecans during the discharge movement.

61. In a machine of the character described, the combination of meansfor supporting a can having applied thereto. a label 'ith edges of thelabel projecting beyond the ends of the can folding mechanism for said

